Whelan suggests real reason behind Hernandez’s Leeds exit after confession
Pablo Hernandez may have asked to leave Leeds United this summer, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested game time played a significant factor in the 36-year-old attacker’s impending exit.
As confirmed by Leeds on Friday, the Spanish playmaker will leave Elland Road this summer.
Hernandez still has a year left on the contract he signed back in 2019.
Bielsa, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post, admitted he would have been happy to see Hernandez remain as part of the squad.
As such, Whelan suggested the veteran may have requested to leave in search of game time.
Asked if he thought Hernandez had asked to leave Leeds, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Yeah. I think it’s a bit of both. He’s not needed by Leeds, he’s served his purpose.
“He’s done his job, he’s been a great servant, a fantastic player. He has entertained us for sure and been an integral part of our promotion and push to where we are now.
“I think when you look at his age, look at the players that are coming through now at Leeds and the players they’ve brought in, you’ve got to say he is third choice. Maybe even further down the pecking order now.
“Another player that will be held as a legend of the club for absolutely the right reasons. A player that has been a massive part of our growth to where we are today. I think everyone would thank him for that.”
Hernandez has started just twice in 15 league games for Leeds this season.
He has a total of 174 appearances under his belt for the Whites.
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